The Flow Foundation’s ‘Connected and Protected’ Safer Internet programme continues with its Seniors’ Forum on Tuesday, February 21 at Emancipation Park, beginning at 11 am.

The Foundation launched the programme on January 31 and, throughout the year, will be conducting a series of online safety sessions for all age groups. On February 7, it hosted its annual Youth Summit in observance of Safer Internet Day and, on Tuesday, seniors will learn how to ‘Tech Charge of Technology’ to build their online confidence and safe user habits. The Seniors’ Forum will include an informative line-up of discussions and activities on the basics of smart devices, safety practices, and how seniors can access help if they become a victim of malicious online activity. The event will be moderated by Fae Ellington and Glen ‘Titus’ Campbell.

Flow’s public relations manager, LeVaughn Flynn, noted that seniors are among the most vulnerable groups of online users because of the unfamiliarity of the internet and the forum is meant to address this.

“The Safer Internet Seniors’ Forum plays an important role in empowering the elderly with useful information that allows them to build their confidence in the online space and navigate the internet safely,” noted Flynn. “The internet provides a world of opportunities for everyone, including our seniors, and we want to ensure they can enjoy the benefits of online access without fear and are equipped to react to any possible online danger.”

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), Cassandra Morrison, noted that the Flow Foundation’s Seniors’ Forum compliments the work of the NCSC by supporting active ageing and inclusivity in society.

“Online safety continues to be of high importance for senior citizens and, as such, the Council, in its role of empowering Jamaica’s seniors, is happy to continue our partnership with the Flow Foundation to provide this important form of engagement. This activity also supports the Council’s ongoing work of preparing our seniors to be a part of the digital economy, of which internet safety is an integral part,” Morrison stated.

Along with the NCSC, the Safer Internet Seniors’ Forum and the broader Connected and Protected online safety programme is endorsed by the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team, the Cybercrime Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, UNICEF, the Jamaica Teachers‘ Association and the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency and the National Secondary Students’ Council.